Optional Activities in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a destination rich in culture, adventure, and natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the globe. This comprehensive list of activities is designed to help travellers navigate the diverse experiences available in the area, ranging from thrilling adventures to immersive cultural encounters. By showcasing these opportunities, we aim to encourage visitors to engage meaningfully with the local community, the wildlife and environment. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or tranquil dining experiences, this guide has something for everyone!
Speak to a Bench Africa consultant about including some of these fantastic and unique activities into your Victoria Falls experience.
Important Note on Ethical Animal Encounters
When exploring activities in Victoria Falls, it’s essential to consider the ethics of animal interactions. Broadly speaking, experiences like lion walks, cheetah interactions and elephant-back safaris are discouraged, as they may involve practices that stress the animals and interfere with their natural behaviours. These activities can often prioritise entertainment over conservation and animal welfare. We recommend choosing experiences that respect wildlife, focusing on their natural habitats and promoting conservation efforts. If you need advice on ethical wildlife activities, feel free to reach out to us and speak to one of our Africa experts who can offer you specialist guidance.
Scenic Day Tours
- Tour of the Victoria Falls
Embark on a guided journey to Victoria Falls, where you’ll encounter the sheer power and beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the Falls while pointing out key viewpoints, local flora, and wildlife along the way. Stop for a memorable photo at the famous ‘Big Tree’ and, for those wanting a closer experience, raincoats are available to help you embrace the mist. - Lunar Rainbow Tour
Experience the rare and magical sight of Victoria Falls bathed in moonlight during a lunar rainbow. This captivating spectacle happens when the moonlight refracts through the mist, creating a moonbow. The tour takes place on the night before, night of, and night after the full moon, offering a unique opportunity to witness this mesmerising natural event. - The Bamba Tram
This scenic tram ride offers a leisurely way to take in views of the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes, perfect for families and those wanting a relaxed sightseeing option. - Bike Tour
A guided bike tour around Victoria Falls offers a leisurely pace to explore the area, making it suitable for active travellers who prefer cycling to walking. - Flight of the Angels
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls from the air on a scenic helicopter or microlight flight. This aerial perspective is perfect for those who want to capture the grandeur of the falls in a truly unforgettable way. - Livingstone Island
A visit to Livingstone Island offers a unique chance to stand at the edge of Victoria Falls. Accessible only when water levels allow, guests take a short boat ride from the mainland to the island, where expert guides lead the way. For the adventurous, seasonal dips in the Devil’s or Angel’s Pools provide a thrilling experience right on the edge of the falls.
- Historic Bridge Tour
The Victoria Falls Bridge, completed in 1905, spans the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Built as part of Cecil Rhodes' Cape-to-Cairo railway project, this 198-meter steel arch bridge is now a popular attraction. The Shearwater Bridge Tour, led by expert guides, takes visitors through its history and engineering, offering insights into its design and significance. A great option for history lovers!
Dining Experiences
- Dusty Road Township Experience
Deep in the heart of Chinotimba township, Dusty Road combines traditional Zimbabwean flavours with a vibrant community setting. Guests can enjoy dishes cooked over open flames and participate in activities like basket making and cooking demonstrations, making it a great choice for those seeking a unique cultural dining experience. - Lookout Café
Set at the edge of Batoka Gorge, Lookout Café offers delicious meals paired with stunning views. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy good food while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the gorge. - Sunset River Cruise on the Zambezi
Relax on this scenic cruise with drinks and light snacks, watching the sunset over the river. Ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy wildlife sightings in a serene atmosphere. - Zambezi Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a multi-course meal on this dinner cruise as you glide along the river, making it an excellent choice for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion with a touch of elegance. - Boma Dinner and Drum Show
Experience a lively evening filled with drumming and dancing performances, with traditional dishes as a grand buffet. This energetic event is perfect for groups and families looking to immerse themselves in local culture. - Home Hosted Meal
Sharing a meal with a local family offers an intimate glimpse into Zimbabwean life, providing an authentic and warm experience that connects visitors to the culture. - High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel
Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea with scenic views of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and Batoka Gorge – a refined experience in a historic setting. - Potjie Dinner Under the Stars
Experience a traditional African potjie (pronounced poy-kee), a slow-cooked stew prepared in a cast iron pot over an open fire, bursting with rich, smoky flavours. Dinner is enjoyed under the stars alongside the Zambezi River, with the meal accompanied by your drink of choice. This distinctly African feast includes Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian potjie, served as part of a three-course meal. - Exclusive Riverside Picnic
Celebrating something special? Perfect for exclusive groups of five to ten people, this bespoke experience begins with a refreshing Mojito welcome drink, setting the tone for a serene riverside escape. Savour a carefully prepared picnic lunch and relax in plush loungers by the river, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water. Enhance the day with optional add-ons such as “Art of Africa” painting sessions or massage therapists, crafting a uniquely tailored experience for you and your group. - Bush Dinner Under the Stars
Escape the ordinary for an intimate private dinner set deep in the African wilderness. After a private transfer to a secluded location, enjoy a bespoke three-course meal under the stars, where the only company is the sounds of the bush and the breathtaking beauty of the night. Ideal for groups of 20 or more, this unforgettable evening offers a true taste of Africa, combining adventure, nature, and exceptional cuisine in a private, open-air setting.
Sunset Train Ride on the Bushtracks Express
Climb aboard a luxurious steam train and journey to Victoria Falls Bridge and enjoy the sunset before delighting in a delicious 5 course meal. This activity is not recommended for children under 12.
Culture & Wildlife Experiences
- Chobe Day Trip
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana for a full day adventure featuring game drives and river cruises, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to expand their safari experience. - Elephant Encounter
Experience a rare opportunity to connect with Africa’s iconic elephants in a natural and intimate setting. This guided encounter offers an up-close look at these magnificent creatures, where guests learn about their behaviour, biology, and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides lead the experience, sharing captivating insights while ensuring a respectful interaction. This experience focuses on meaningful, ethical engagement with elephants—please note, elephant riding is not on offer here, and this is something we strongly discourage. - Meet the People Tour
Engage with the local community and foster cultural exchange through this enriching experience, ideal for visitors seeking authentic interactions with Zimbabwean culture.
- Pay It Forward Tour
This is a meaningful way to give back by helping a local organisation in need, whether it’s an orphanage, senior home, or clinic. Wild Horizons provides a "wish list" of items needed by the organisation, and your mission is to gather them from the town’s vibrant markets. Once you've collected everything, you'll deliver the goods in person, bringing joy to those in need. - Cultural Village Tours
Visit a local village to learn about customs and crafts, making it a suitable choice for those interested in deeper cultural insights. - Markets
Explore local markets for handmade crafts and art, ideal for visitors wanting to connect with artisans and find unique souvenirs. - An Evening at the Open-Air Theatre
For a unique cultural experience in Victoria Falls, why not enjoy a local theatre production? SIMUNYE: Spirit of Africa tells the story of Bomani, a man exiled from his tribe, and his loyal elephant companion Ndlovu. Through captivating puppetry, dance, and music, this powerful show explores themes of love, community, and belonging.
Adventure and Adrenaline
- White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
The Zambezi’s intense rapids present an exhilarating rafting adventure, ideal for those who thrive on adrenaline and aren’t afraid to get wet. - Bungee Jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge
A leap from the bridge’s edge offers a thrilling 111-meter freefall, perfect for those seeking an iconic adrenaline rush over stunning scenery. - Gorge Swing
This heart-pounding swing gives participants a rush of free-fall into the gorge, making it an exciting option for thrill-seekers wanting both suspense and spectacular views. - Ziplining
Fly across the gorge on a high-speed zipline, providing a thrilling yet accessible option for adventurers who want a scenic view with a dose of excitement. - Flying Fox
For a gentler thrill, the Flying Fox allows participants to glide above the gorge, combining excitement with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. - Vic Falls Canopy Tour
Embark on the Vic Falls Canopy Tour, a thrilling adventure that takes you through the Zambezi gorges on a series of zip lines, walkways, and a rope bridge. In two hours, you’ll take in incredible views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, river, and forest below. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Turacos and Peregrine Falcons. With guides ensuring safety, this tour is ideal for adventurers of all ages.
